For many years, Carl Millocker's Der Bettelstudent was one of the most frequently-played operettas of all time. Polish resistance to Saxon rule in the 18th century supplies the political background to a romantic comedy that gave the composer the chance to spice up the Vienese operetta style with Polish mazurka rhythms. For this Electrola production, whose "verve and liveliness: were praised by critics, conductor Franz Allers had several of the EMI ensemble's best signers at his disposal.

The Electrola Collection is a series from EMI Classics that celebrates the historic record label, Electrola. Electrola was part of the EMI Classics unit in Germany best known for their rich catalog, masterful artists and the iconic gramophone trademark. This second edition features eleven captivating titles including Otto Nicolai's The Merry Wives of Windsor, Joseph Haydn's The Creation and Rene Kollo sings Wagner and Strauss.